Did this workout without gloves, which really tore my hands up as the hotel's dumbbells were basically brand new (or never used). Had a great trip, but drank too much beer, and ate too much delicious food. But hey, that's what vacations are for, no?

This really kicked my ass, especially after a weekend full of drinking, and eating whatever I felt like. Pretty annoyed that I gained approximately six pounds over just a few days. Although it is probably just water weight, I'm getting tired of gaining and losing the same 4-6 pounds each week. Really need to take a break from turning a cheat meal into a cheat weekend, and abstain from boozing for a few weeks. Not easily done, not at all, especially since I really love beer.

Suspension trainers arrived today, and there is no way they can be installed on a door without doing serious damage. That's a pretty big bummer, but I'll try to hook them up to my pullup bar; and that's not that great of an option since the room that thing is hooked up to is rather small. I'll make it work!

This one really kicked my ass, especially with all of the jump rope. I left puddles of sweat all over the place - I need to mop! Soups on for dinner, but not until I cool down - feeling a bit queasy at the moment

Considering buying a fitbit - are those still under Nike? Will never buy anything Nike after the continued to sponsor that assclown Michael Vick. Anyone have experience with fitbits, if they are not by Nike?

C.O. wrote:The birthday workout made me laugh a little, I remember college and playing ball the next morning after a late night of drinking and everyone sweating out boozes you could smell it across the court.

Dude, that's awesome. A few weeks ago I was at the gym complaining of how I could smell booze coming off of someone nearby... Turns out it was me.

Not a bad workout today. The Rowboaters, and burpees were a bitch since my abs were so sore/fatigued from yesterday. Really looking forward to resting tomorrow, and then getting in some weight training on Saturday. Hitting up Native Foods tomorrow night for dinner - they have new menu items here! Anyone a fan of Native Foods?

Felt pretty good today, but a little nagging pain on my right rotator cuff. After seeing a post about upright rows agitating this area, I have all but abandoned that exercise. Maybe I should reconsider, but use much lighter weight, in order to build up strength in that area.

I liked getting back into weights today after doing a bunch of HIIT this week, but honestly, I feel like I should change things up short term and focus more on HIIT. I just felt tighter, and more lean this week, than ever before. Definitely need more of this.

Only had about 20 minutes to get a workout in today, but I wanted to play around with my suspension straps, so I did a few things in quick succession. Basically, a three round circuit of the following with no rest between rounds.

I have to say, these straps are awesome! Even after only a few minutes, I felt really pumped. I need to find a resources for exercises on these things so I can maximize the benefit of ownership.

Also, I was reading on another member's posts about the 80/10/10 diet. He is ripped(!), and that is where I want to be. I realized that I was never really interested in "getting big," but more interested in remaining compact, yet solid. Plus, I just bought a new suit that is tiny, so I can't go about gaining a bunch of bulky mass.

This was a solid workout, even though we ran out of time at the end. I really enjoy combining strength and HIIT exercises in succession. I'll continue this at home as well. Nearing the end of my training journey with my trainer. I have to say it was one of the better investments I've made. At worst, I have learned a ton of new exercises; so many that I could keep it interesting each time I train for months on end.

Came home and had some vegan beans/sausage/barley.

FYI - Trader Joe's has pre-cooked bulgur, barley, and farro in small packages - it's only pre-boiled, contains only the grains, and takes only 10 minutes to cook. Sweet!

Didn't get to train today, as my landlord called last minute and said they were stopping by with an appraiser to try to lower the interest rate on their mortgage. Had to do some on-the-spot cleaning. Could have denied them entry for 24 hours (under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance), but that would have screwed up my day tomorrow. No worries though, I'll still get in at least four days of training this week. Still, annoyed by the interruption of life related things.

Kept calories low-ish today since I wasn't training. Well, at least I didn't have any garbage food.

Felt pretty good after this, but also pretty beat. The back extensions were killer, and I know I will be feeling those in my hamstrings tomorrow! Actually enjoyed doing a lot of HIIT training this week. Again, I feel tighter, and lighter than ever before. Also, reached back down to my lowest weight after going up six pounds from my birthday weekend. Started taking a probiotic to aid digestion, though I haven't noticed any benefit. Came home and had what I planned to have for lunch, for dinner. Here's a pic. This is a really simple recipe:

Felt pretty good today. It was nice to get a good pump at the end of the week, and before our party tomorrow. Here's to hoping I don't dive into the Halloween Oreos before the end of tonight! Came home and had what I planned for yesterday's lunch.

Thanks, man, for the comment - and for reading! I should have snapped some pics of our spread for the party we threw on Sunday afternoon. Everything was 100% vegan, and only two vegans (my wife, and I) in attendance. The best part was that everyone loved what we made, and nobody asked whether it was vegan, much less complained of any "wierd flavors" haha.

Gained a few pounds of water weight since the party - all of the deliciously salty snacks - so looking forward to burning that off this week with training!